Careers
First aid for house plants: emergency measures for pest infestation & co.
Is your plant in distress? Yellow leaves, pests or growth problems? With our first-aid guide, you can quickly get your urban jungle back into top shape!
Beginner
3 minutes reading time
Houseplants are more than just decoration – they improve air quality and create a pleasant atmosphere. But what should you do if the leaves turn pale, pests appear or the plants stop growing properly? Don't worry! With a few targeted measures, you can quickly get your urban jungle back on track. Here comes your first-aid guide for houseplants!
Houseplants are more than just decoration – they improve air quality and create a pleasant atmosphere. But what should you do if the leaves turn pale, pests appear or the plants stop growing properly? Don't worry! With a few targeted measures, you can quickly get your urban jungle back on track. Here comes your first-aid guide for houseplants!
1. The check-up: recognising warning signs early on
It is crucial to regularly check your plants. Therefore, check your plants for signs such as scale insects, mealybugs or spider mites. The earlier you detect an infestation, the easier it is to treat.
2. Quarantine: protect your plants
If you discover pests, immediately quarantine the infected plant. This will prevent the pests from spreading to your other plants.
3. Deep clean: physical measures
Now it's time for some practical action:
- Rinsing or brushing off: carefully remove visible pests from leaves and stems.
- Repotting and cleaning: infested plants should be replanted in fresh soil. The cachepots should also be thoroughly cleaned to remove any eggs or larvae.
4. Natural weapons
Rely on environmentally friendly means! A mixture of 20 ml fermented garlic and chilli extract in 1 litre of water is an effective pest repellent. Spray the plant with it to keep uninvited guests away.
5. Oil-based products against lice and mites
Soft soap solutions, rapeseed oil or neem oil are ideal for fighting scale insects and mealybugs. The oil film blocks the pests' airways. Since mealybugs lay their eggs in the soil, it is important to repeat the application several times. These products also help against spider mites and whiteflies.
7. Controlling whiteflies
These small flies suck the sap from your plants, damaging them in the process. Yellow traps that the flies stick to are an effective measure. Combine this with the pest control methods already mentioned.
8. Fungus gnats and their larvae
Fungus gnats and their larvae damage the roots of your plants. Yellow traps are an effective measure here, too. We have also put together a separate blog article for you with further helpful measures to take in the event of a fungus gnat infestation.
7. Controlling whiteflies
These small flies suck the sap from your plants, damaging them in the process. Yellow traps that the flies stick to are an effective measure. Combine this with the pest control methods already mentioned.
8. Fungus gnats and their larvae
Fungus gnats and their larvae damage the roots of your plants. Yellow traps are an effective measure here, too. We have also put together a separate blog article for you with further helpful measures to take in the event of a fungus gnat infestation.
9. Prevention is the best protection
The best protection against pests is optimal care. Meet the individual needs of your plants: choose the appropriate soil, ensure the right location and fertilise regularly – the approximate guideline is to fertilise once a month, adjusted according to the nutrient needs of the plant. However, fertilise very sparingly in winter. You can also help your plants by using preventative tonics such as Effective Microorganisms to increase their resistance.
10. Buy plants with your head
Look for environmentally friendly house plants when shopping. These are not throw-away items, but require many resources to grow to their full glory. Grow your own cuttings and share them with friends – this way you can design your own sustainable and individual urban jungle.
Multikraft tip for healthy house plants
Use Urban Jungle regularly: Simply add 10ml per litre of water each time you water. This strengthens the roots and ensures healthy, resilient plants.
Urban Jungle spray solution: Spray your plants once a week, especially in winter. This cleans the leaves, ensures strong growth and rich leaf colouring.
Use Urban Jungle regularly: Simply add 10ml per litre of water each time you water. This strengthens the roots and ensures healthy, resilient plants.
Urban Jungle spray solution: Spray your plants once a week, especially in winter. This cleans the leaves, ensures strong growth and rich leaf colouring.
This may also interest you …
Garden & Plants
Wild herbs in winter – natural treasures for health and well-being
Whether rose hips, ivy or spruce – they are all little powerhouses that accompany us through the cold months. Discover how these plants can help you get through the cold season in good health and relaxed.
Beginner
3 minutes reading time
Household
Beginner
3 minutes reading time
Garden & Plants
Multiknowledge: EM ceramic tree paint - winter protection and bark care for healthy trees
The cold season poses major challenges for trees, as low temperatures, frost and external influences can damage the bark. A particularly effective method of protecting trees from these influences is to use a special tree paint with EM ceramics. This natural paint not only supports bark care, but also provides effective protection against weather damage and pests.
2 minutes reading time
